Obesity means having too much body fat or a very high BMI (body mass index). It is not the same as being overweight, which means weighing too much. A person may be overweight from extra muscle, bone, or water, as well as from having too much fat. Obesity is one of the most difficult public issues our society has faced. The epidemic of obesity arose gradually over time, apparently from a small, consistent degree of positive energy balance in the U.S. Over 27.1 percent of Americans suffer from obesity. Obesity is linked to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, many forms of cancer, and cognitive dysfunction.
Recent studies have shown that approximately 34% of adults and 15–20% of children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese.
Since 1970, the amount of fast food restaurants in business doubled, which equates to about 300,000 establishments in the United States, while at the same time obesity has increased. These fast foods are highly processed, full of fat, calories, and sodium. It is typically more convenient and cheaper than other healthier substitutes, making the fast food a prime target for people in a hurry, or others who are tight with their income.
Only 2% of school aged children consume the necessary servings from the different group foods.
Obesity
Obesity means having too much body fat or a very high BMI (body mass index). It is not the same as being overweight, which means weighing too much. A person may be overweight from extra muscle, bone, or water, as well as from having too much fat. Obesity is one of the most difficult public issues our society has faced. The epidemic of obesity arose gradually over time, apparently from a small, consistent degree of positive energy balance in the U.S. Over 27.1 percent of Americans suffer from obesity. Obesity is linked to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, many forms of cancer, and cognitive dysfunction.
Recent studies have shown that approximately 34% of adults and 15–20% of children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese.
Since 1970, the amount of fast food restaurants in business doubled, which equates to about 300,000 establishments in the United States, while at the same time obesity has increased. These fast foods are highly processed, full of fat, calories, and sodium. It is typically more convenient and cheaper than other healthier substitutes, making the fast food a prime target for people in a hurry, or others who are tight with their income.
Only 2% of school aged children consume the necessary servings from the different group foods.